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Cool Neighbors: Data Centers and Wolverines in Canada's Winter Wonderland

Writer: UltimariiUltimarii

Hello, dear readers! As we come out the other end of the cold streak in Calgary, we're back with another exciting edition of our "Species of the Week" series. This series unlocks fascinating knowledge about various species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and is powered by our AI tool, Ultimarii, which aims to reduce the time required to complete regulatory processes.


In our last post, we cozied up with the Grizzly Bear, a creature that prefers to snooze through the winter. This week, we're turning up the chill factor and shining the spotlight on a creature that doesn't just survive in Canada's frosty winters - it thrives!  Say hello to the Wolverine.

But before we dive into the world of Wolverines, let's talk about another pro to cold weather. Canada's chilly climate makes it an ideal location for building data centers. So, if you're considering setting up a data center in Canada, you might just end up being neighbours with our species of the week!


Canada: A Frosty Location for Sizzling Servers

Canada's cool climate offers significant advantages for data center operations. The naturally cold external air can be utilized for free cooling, reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling technologies. This not only leads to cost savings but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.


Several areas in Canada, like the northern regions of Alberta, Quebec, and British Columbia are particularly well-suited for building data centers.  Moreover, Canada's clean energy grid, with over 80% of electricity coming from non-emitting sources, makes it attractive for companies looking to build new data centers with a low carbon footprint. We also have an abundance of natural gas for companies that want to move quickly and generate their own stable power source. 


Wolverines: Your Chill New Neighbours

Now, let's turn our attention to the potential neighbours of these data centers - Wolverines. Wolverines are remarkable animals with unique adaptations that allow them to survive in harsh winter environments. Only weighing in at 30 to 50 pounds, they are known for their tenacity and fierceness beyond their size, often battling grizzly bears, bull moose, and wolves… and winning.


Wolverines are incredible long-distance travelers, often traveling 28 to 32 kilometers a day in snow and over mountain peaks. They have a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to detect carcasses over long distances and beneath snow. This ability to scavenge effectively is crucial during winter when food is scarce.


The status of Wolverines under SARA is of Special Concern, highlighting the varying conservation needs of different populations. Wolverines play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as indicators of ecosystem health and contributing to the fur trade, particularly in Arctic regions.


Wolverines

Conclusion: Embracing the Chill

So, when you have to brave the cold, remember to  take a moment to appreciate another silver lining. Not only does the chilly weather make Canada an ideal location for data centers, but it also provides a perfect habitat for our fascinating species of the week, the Wolverine.


Remember, when we're bundling up and turning up the heat, these incredible creatures are out there thriving in the frosty wilderness. And who knows, if you decide to set up a data center in Canada, you might just end up with a Wolverine as your neighbour.  Now, wouldn't that be a cool story to tell?


Stay warm, everyone, and remember - even in the coldest temperatures, there's always a chance to chill with Wolverines!


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